Parts A, B, C, D — what each one actually does

Medicare’s parts sound complicated, but each letter answers one simple question.

Part A — hospital

Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing after a hospital stay, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A — you earned it through payroll taxes.

Part B — medical

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, preventive services, and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium, and when you sign up matters — late enrollment can carry a lifelong penalty.

Part C — Medicare Advantage

Not extra coverage — a different way to receive Parts A and B, through a private plan that usually bundles drug coverage and may add dental, vision, or hearing benefits. Plans use provider networks, which is why checking your doctors always comes first.

Part D — prescription drugs

Drug coverage through private plans, either standalone (alongside Original Medicare) or built into a Medicare Advantage plan. Every plan has its own drug list and pricing tiers, so the same prescriptions can cost very differently from plan to plan.

And “Medigap”?

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) isn’t a lettered part of Medicare — it’s private insurance that helps pay your share of costs under Original Medicare.

If you remember one thing: A and B are the foundation; everything else is about how you fill the gaps. Sorting out which combination fits your life is exactly what a complimentary plan review is for.